
Where is Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland?
Switzerland, europe
43 km
2,178 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Switzerland, ready for an adventure. Buckle up, because Route de la Croix-de-Coeur, or Col de la Croix de Coeur, is calling your name! This high mountain pass, sitting pretty at 2,178m (7,145ft), straddles the Entremont and Martigny districts.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road is a bit of a beast, known for being challenging. You'll find a mix of paved sections and hard-pack gravel as you climb. Get ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting gradients of up to 12%! And hold on tight through the 38 hairpin turns—many without guardrails. Oh, and did I mention the 5 tunnels?
Starting in Sembrancher and winding up in Riddes, this 43 km (26 miles) stretch is an experience. Trust me, it’s worth it. At the top, you'll find Restaurant La Croix-de-Coeur and a parking area. But the real reward? Jaw-dropping views of the Combins and Mont Blanc to the south, and the Bernese Alps to the north. Get your camera ready!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 43 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,178 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Collado de Orgambide?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Spain and France, high up in the Pyrenees at Collado de Orgambide (or Col d'Orgambide, if you're feeling French!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 11.2 km (7ish mile) adventure from the charming Spanish town of Orbaizeta, winding its way up to meet the D428 road in France. The road surface? Let's just say it keeps things interesting with some stretches of concrete thrown in for good measure. Get ready for some seriously steep sections that will test your driving skills. And here's the kicker: it's narrow. Like, *really* narrow. Think "squeeze-by-another-car-with-inches-to-spare" narrow. But trust me, the panoramic views from the top are totally worth the white knuckles. The scenery is absolutely stunning!
extremeWhat you need to know about the 4x4 track to Forcella d’Entova
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella d'Entova: Not Your Average Mountain Drive Tucked away in Lombardy's Province of Sondrio, Forcella d'Entova sits pretty at a whopping 2,802 meters (9,192 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical leisurely mountain cruise—it's legitimately extreme terrain that demands respect. Starting from San Giuseppe, you're looking at an 11.9 km (7.4 miles) grind uphill with a gnarly 1,203-meter elevation gain. That translates to an average gradient of about 10%, with some sections pushing the limits even further. Fair warning: this track was originally carved out for a ski resort that never materialized, so you can imagine the state of things. The road itself is narrow, riddled with deep washouts, loose gravel, rocks, and the occasional landslide. After heavy rain? Forget about it—it transforms into a muddy, slippery mess. Honestly, 4x4 vehicles with serious ground clearance are non-negotiable here. This isn't the place to test your sedan's capabilities. The good news is that Forcella d'Entova ranks among Italy's highest roads, and the views absolutely justify the white-knuckle drive. Just know that private vehicles face a barrier blockade during winter months (September through June), and several mountain refuges dot the summit area if you need a rest stop. This one's for hardcore adventurers only.
hardPic de Chabrières is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive
🇫🇷 France
# Pic de Chabrières: One Seriously Epic Alpine Adventure Looking for a true high-altitude challenge? The Pic de Chabrières sits pretty at 2,701 meters (8,861 feet) above sea level in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, making it one of the country's most elite mountain passes. Located in the stunning Queyras mountains, this isn't your typical paved highway experience. Here's the real talk: the road to the summit is completely unpaved and basically functions as a chairlift access trail. You're looking at a seriously steep climb with endless twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep even seasoned drivers on their toes. Your vehicle needs serious credentials too—4x4 is non-negotiable here. **When to go?** Plan your adventure between July and September. Outside those months (October through June), expect impassable conditions thanks to snow and weather. Even during the "open" season, thunderstorms can transform this trail in minutes, turning it into a slippery nightmare or shutting it down completely. The scenery is absolutely worth it though—those Queyras views are unforgettable. Just remember: this road demands respect, full attention, and genuine driving skills. Every direction change—up, down, left, right—keeps you constantly engaged. It's not a leisurely drive; it's a full-on mountain experience.
hardDriving the Unpaved Road to Margherina Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle Margherina: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for something truly off the beaten path? Colle Margherina is calling your name. This stunning high-altitude pass sits at 2,420m (7,939ft) in Italy's Piedmont region, perched dramatically near the French border. You'll find it roughly 100 km southwest of Turin and 40 km west of Cuneo, nestled between the Maira and Stura valleys where the watershed divides the landscape. The drive spans about 23.5 km (14.60 miles) from Gias Bandia to Acceglio, and honestly? This isn't your typical Sunday cruise. The entire route is unpaved—a historic ex-military cart track that's seen better days. You're looking at a manageable grade overall, but don't let that fool you. Narrow sections, plenty of dust, hairpin turns, and the occasional sketchy drop-off keep things interesting. As you wind upward, you'll spot crumbling military barracks scattered along the way, adding an intriguing historical layer to this wild ride. This is mountain driving in its purest form—no frills, no smooth asphalt, just you, your vehicle, and some seriously dramatic Alpine scenery. It's challenging, it's raw, and it's absolutely unforgettable.